By Apostle Dr Eric Emefa-Agbogedenu
We are gradually normalizing a dangerous culture — the culture of insults.
In our homes, on our streets, on radio, on television, and especially on social media, insult has become the language of disagreement. We no longer debate issues; we attack personalities. We no longer correct in love; we humiliate in public. We have made mockery look like wisdom and insults look like courage.
This must stop, and it must stop now.
1. What Insults Really Do
An insult never ends with the person insulted. It wounds families, it poisons friendships, it divides communities and it pollutes the next generation. A child who grows up hearing insults will think insults are strength.
The Bible reminds us: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” – Proverbs 18:21. Every insult we throw is a seed of death we are sowing into our society.
2. The New Platforms of Dishonor
Social media has given everyone a microphone, but not everyone has received manners. Behind keyboards and faceless accounts, we insult elders, leaders, pastors, parents and even one another without restraint.
We must remember that freedom of speech is not freedom to abuse. Democracy does not give us license to dishonor.
3. Before It Becomes Irrecoverable
There comes a point where trust is broken beyond repair. There comes a point where words spoken can no longer be withdrawn. That point is what I call “irrecoverable.”
If we do not stop this culture now, we will raise a generation that knows how to trend but does not know how to respect. We will have a nation that is loud but lawless, vocal but void of values.
We must act before it is too late.
4. The Way Forward
a) Let Parents Teach Honor Again: Respect must be modeled and taught at home.
b) Let Leaders Show Restraint: Those in public office, in the pulpit, and in the media must lead by example. You cannot condemn insults while practicing them.
c) Let the Law and Conscience Work: Our laws must protect dignity, but more importantly, our conscience must convict us when we are wrong.
d) Let Us Choose Honor Over Clout: Not everything must be said. Not every disagreement must be published. Silence is sometimes the highest wisdom.
In conclusion, a society that celebrates insults will eventually collapse under the weight of its own wounds.
Let us return to respect. Let us return to honor. Let us return to the Ghanaian values of courtesy, dignity and reverence for one another.
We can disagree without being disagreeable. We can correct without crushing. We can win an argument without losing our humanity.
Let us stop it now, before it becomes irrecoverable.
Apst Dr Eric Emefa-Agbogedenu
